Hunter competition continued in the Stonelea Ring with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which concluded competition at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. At the end of the handy round of competition, it was Jeff Gogul and Just Ruffy that put in the best effort to take home top honors in the National Hunter Derby. Directly after, it was veteran rider Kelley Farmer and Aizlynn Radwanski’s Because who claimed the blue ribbon in the International Hunter Derby.

Darragh Kenny Does It Again With Babalou 41 to Claim $131,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3* at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Written by Barre Dukes

Sunday, 13 May 2018 14:56

With a starting list of 36 horse-and-rider combinations, Alan Wade’s (IRL) technical 17-effort track only produced four clear rounds for a thrilling and competitive jump-off. Todd Minikus (USA) and Quality Girl also returned to Saturday night competition in top form, delivering the long-awaited first clear round to the delight of the audience. Minikus and the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare, owned by the Quality Group, returned first in the jump-off to set the pace with a blazing time of 36.050 seconds, but were just overtaken by Kenny in the end. However, Minikus and Quality Girl still managed another top award, finishing in second place and adding to Wednesday’s $35,000 Welcome Speed 1.45m CSI3* victory.

The Amateur-Owner divisions wrapped up in the Stonelea Ring on Saturday with the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion being awarded to the rider who acquired the most points over the course of competition on Friday and Saturday. The divisions saw a high number of entries, but despite the tough competition, it was Stephanie Danhakl and Enough Said who captured the top award at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Javier Fernandez Stays on Top to Claim $5,000 Open Jumpers with Diamond Dream

Written by Barre Dukes

Saturday, 12 May 2018 11:45

Friday morning at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show welcomed the $5,000 1.45m Open Jumpers to kick-off jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium, where athletes were tested over Alan Wade’s (IRL) 15-effort track.

First to enter the ring, Javier Fernandez (MEX) and Diamond Dream, owned by Patricio Miguel Madero, laid down a clear round, designating the duo as the first to advance to the immediate jump-off. Fernandez and the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare galloped through the timers in a speedy 33.073 seconds, which the following 34 athletes attempted to catch, but were unable to outdo, awarding Fernandez the victory.

Hunter competition commenced at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show on Friday in the Claiborne Ring with the Ariat National Adult Medal. Eight amateur athletes and their mounts vied for the top prize of the morning, but it was Jennifer Speisman and HC Sport Horses’ Big Star who put in a solid test that would give them the blue ribbon.